Best‐Practice DFT Protocols for Basic Molecular Computational Chemistry. (14th September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bursch, Markus; Mewes, Jan‐Michael; Hansen, Andreas; Grimme, Stefan
• Is Part Of: Angewandte Chemie. Volume 134:Number 42(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2022-09-14
• Subjects: Computational Chemistry -- Density Functional Calculations; Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/ange.202205735
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0044-8249

Abstract

Abstract: Nowadays, many chemical investigations are supported by routine calculations of molecular structures, reaction energies, barrier heights, and spectroscopic properties. The lion's share of these quantum‐chemical calculations applies density functional theory (DFT) evaluated in atomic‐orbital basis sets. This work provides best‐practice guidance on the numerous methodological and technical aspects of DFT calculations in three parts: Firstly, we set the stage and introduce a step‐by‐step decision tree to choose a computational protocol that models the experiment as closely as possible. Secondly, we present a recommendation matrix to guide the choice of functional and basis set depending on the task at hand. A particular focus is on achieving an optimal balance between accuracy, robustness, and efficiency through multi‐level approaches. Finally, we discuss selected representative examples to illustrate the recommended protocols and the effect of methodological choices. Abstract : Many chemical investigations are supported by routine calculations of molecular structures, reaction energies, barrier heights, and spectroscopic properties. Most of these quantum‐chemical calculations apply various combinations of DFT‐based methods. This Scientific Perspective provides best‐practice protocols and guidance in the choice of robust method combinations to deal with many day‐to‐day challenges in computational chemistry and discusses representative examples.